Who needs a hybrid?

The gas-powered Chevy Cruze gets hybrid-like mileage at a much lower price.

To highlight how much fuel-economy improvements automotive design engineers are still wringing out of internal combustion engines, just spend some time in the Eco version of Chevy's Cruze compact car.

I had a week with the car, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and in nearly 500 miles of Interstate and mountain driving I logged 37 mpg on the car's trip computer—right on the EPA highway mileage number (26 mpg, city). The 6-speed manual transmission version is listed as 28 mpg (city) and 42 mpg (hwy). The engine in both versions is a 1.4-L (138 hp, 148 ft-lb torque) four cylinder.

But you don't have to take my word for it. Automotive Traveler magazine's Richard Truesdell drove the manual version (I assume) from California to New Jersey and achieved 40 mpg for the trip.

Base price for the Eco on the sticker I have is $18,175. Add a $525 connectivity package (cruise control, USB interface, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel and shifter, etc.), automatic transmission ($925), compact spare tire ($100), and destination charge ($720) and the total is $20,445.

Previously, I had driven the luxury LTZ model (nice stitched leather, sport suspension) of the Cruze with the automatic and pulled 30 mpg in limited suburban driving. I was impressed with the handling and pickup for a compact car, with similar performance in the Eco.

As an ex-aero engineer, I was impressed with the aerodynamic and other features the GM engineers have designed into the Eco to improve mileage from the standard Cruze. These include:

Low rolling resistance tires, also used on the Chevy Volt range-enhanced electric vehicle

Engine-wise, there is variable valve timing (four valves/cylinder) and the air conditioner is decoupled from the engine for less load when not in use

Here's a video of GM engineers explaining some of these features:

The Eco also had one of the best manually adjusting seats I've seen. It is movable eight ways, including front and rear tilt, and height adjustment. The car is fairly quiet and the body style allows a deep trunk. All in all, the Cruze is a fun, economical, and practical package.

(In case you're not familiar with the Cruze, it's the car that our favorite ex-Cylon, Grace Park'scharacter, Kono, in the new Hawaii Five-0 TV series drives with some aplomb.)

The people who would have bought a Yaris or a Fortwo, but have a small child or two.
Sedan or hatchback, four doors or five, the Ford Fiesta comes with more options and bit more oomph than its high-mileage, low-size competitors. The 1.6-liter engine gives you 120 horsepower, and it claims to be able to sit five, although Ford never specifies just how big—or small—those five are supposed to be.
Nancy - http://www.houseincity.com

Apparently that is a feature of EPA regulations. For years we could not get the TDI vehicles because we did not have low-sulphur diesel. Now that we have the right fuel, I hear that the NOx emissions are too high when the TDI runs at its best fuel efficiency; when tuned to pass the NOx testing, fuel efficiency drops to the same level as a gas engine. I would love to know if these rumors are true. If they are, then there should be some discussion about whether the EPA rules need adjustment!

You had me convinced that I need one myself, and hence checked out some car accessories to see if I could make some changes to a hybrid to have it the way I want it. Great job you have!
Melanie - http://www.carid.com

HYbrids are a waste! Fuel Cells are better, and should receive the subsidy instead - 1 power plant not two - cheaper and better. Air powered cars are coming too. Hydrogen is easy to make and can be done efficiently with todays technology.. if anyone is interested - I am looking to work in the field with a known workable solution .

Hi Guys,
I purchase a Honda City car in 2006.Its mileage is awesome.....!! I just love my car...I have never faced any problem with hybrid system...I just love to drive my car..!!
Tnx,
Shweta
http://www.propertywala.com/wockhardt-towers-mumbai - Wockhardt Towers Office Space

Hi Guys,
I purchase a Honda City car in 2006.Its mileage is awesome.....!! I just love my car...I have never faced any problem with hybrid system...I just love to drive my car..!!
Tnx,
Shweta
[url=http://www.propertywala.com/upkar-oakland-bangalore]Apartment / Flat in Attibele Road, Bangalore[/url]

I agree that the hybrid theoretically would give more during city driving because of regenerative braking. However, the efficiency of the internal combustion engine goes down compared to highway driving.

I luv the Cheve Volt and cars like it. When I do plan on getting a new car, I will be getting a Volt/Prius or something like it. The cheaper the electronics become the prices of hybrid is going to come down even more.